US-Israel-Iran War News: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged Friday that Pakistan will “do its best for the success” of the rare direct talks between the United States and Iran starting Saturday in Islamabad, calling the negotiations a “make-or-break” moment to end a war that has disrupted energy supplies, businesses and daily life across the Middle East.
“Tomorrow, the leadership of both countries will be in Islamabad on our sincere invitation to hold talks. Pakistan will do its best for the success of the talks, which is a tough task. The result is in Allah’s hand,” Sharif said in a televised address to the nation.
US-Israel-Iran War News: What Is at Stake?
Sharif described the coming negotiations as a critical juncture. “This phase of talks is a make-or-break to seek a permanent ceasefire,” he observed. The war, which began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, has killed thousands, choked off the Strait of Hormuz and sent oil prices soaring above $100 a barrel.
Thanking Washington and Tehran for agreeing to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif urged the nation “to pray for the success of the talks, which will save thousands of lives.”
US-Israel-Iran War News: Who Is Coming to Islamabad?
US Vice President JD Vance left Washington Friday aboard Air Force Two. He is leading a delegation that includes President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The American team is expected to arrive ahead of Saturday’s talks.
The Iranian delegation is likely to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to Pakistani sources. They are expected to arrive Friday night. The high-level composition of both teams signals that the stakes are understood on both sides.
US-Israel-Iran War News: How Did Pakistan Pull This Off?
Pakistan, together with Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, managed to secure the two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, 39 days after the war began. The diplomatic breakthrough came after weeks of quiet shuttle diplomacy, with Pakistani officials traveling between Washington and Tehran.
The ceasefire itself was a surprise. Hours before the announcement, President Trump had threatened “a whole civilization will die tonight.” Instead, Pakistan’s mediation gave diplomacy one last chance.
US-Israel-Iran War News: What Happens Next?
The talks are expected to focus on three core issues: the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions, Iran’s nuclear program, and a permanent end to hostilities. Iran has presented a 10-point plan that includes recognition of its control over the strait, lifting of sanctions, and compensation for war damage.
The White House has rejected some elements of that plan but has said it provides a “workable basis” for negotiation. Vance, Witkoff and Kushner will attempt to bridge the gap over the coming days.
US-Israel-Iran War News: What Does Pakistan Want?
Sharif’s address made clear that Pakistan sees itself as a peacemaker, not a partisan. By hosting the talks, Islamabad burnishes its credentials as a regional power capable of mediating between arch-enemies. Success would elevate Pakistan’s standing with both Washington and Tehran.
Failure, however, would mean a return to war. Sharif’s appeal for prayers was not merely rhetorical. The prime minister knows that the gap between the two sides remains wide, and the margin for error is narrow.
FAQs: Islamabad Peace Talks
Q: When do the talks start?
A: Saturday, April 11, in Islamabad.
Q: Who is leading the US delegation?
A: Vice President JD Vance, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Q: Who is leading the Iranian delegation?
A: Speaker of Parliament Muhammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Q: What is at stake?
A: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending Iran’s nuclear program, and establishing a permanent truce.
Q: How long is the current ceasefire?
A: Two weeks, brokered by Pakistan, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Q: What did Pakistan’s PM say?
A: He asked the country to pray for success and referred to the negotiations as “make-or-break.”
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
